Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code

Comments about Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code:

The sounds recorder is the HEART of any sound kit. As such, you should invest in a heart aka sound recorder that is going to be usable no matter what the situation. I didn't think to much of it myself at first but what I'm referring to is extreme heat and cold temperatures. Since I live in El Paso, TX, the weather hear can fluctuate from being extremely cold or hot. In the winter, it can get to as low as 20 degrees in the early morning with the temperature rising up to the mid 50s or 60s when the sun is out. This occurred during our production of Child of the Desert that we shot here in El Paso, TX in December fo 2010. In the summer, the weather has reach as high as 106 degrees. This occurred during our production of Red Sands that was shot also in El Paso, TX in June of 2010.

As if weather factors weren't enough, you also hav to think about timecode. Filmmakers everywhere are shooting movies with DSLRs now but if you haven't noticed, DSLRs don't do professional sound. You will need a sound recorder with timecode in order to match up all of your good audio later on in the timeline with your pretty pictures. Its also a plus if your sound recorder can plug into timecode slate. This way, you will always be in sync!

It may be a little on the expensive side, but this recorder is solid and is currently the one I use in my sound kit. It can record up to 4 audio channels at 24bit 192KHz and has a 160GB solid state internal hard drive. You can also record to compact flash cards as well! I know that you may be tempted to use the something a lot cheaper such a TASCAM or EDIROL, but trust me when I say that you get what you pay for. TASCAM and EDIROL don't offer anywhere near the customization that Sound Devices does with the 744T. Plus I can organize all of the scene numbers as the production shoot goes on by accessing the menu on the recorder with ease. If you don't believe me, go out and rent one of these bad boys and you will be glad you did =).

Comments about Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code:

Home runs:
1) Uses Sony M or L series InfoLithium batteries, which you might already be carrying for your camcorders (I am). Looooong runtimes (5+ hours) on NP-F970, even with phantom power and 24/96 recording.
2) Built like a tank.
3) Reliable.

Minor quibbles:
1) Firewire is unexpectedly slow. 5MB/s transfer rate from this unit means a lot of waiting for offloads.
2) While inputs 1&2 are normal XLR and have limiters and physical level knobs, inputs 3&4 are definitely second-class citizens with mini-XLR inputs (good luck finding replacement cables on the road), no limiters, and level adjustments performed by wading through the unit's menus.

The 788T mostly addresses all these slight problems, although it also uses mini-XLR for inputs 5-8.

Comments about Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code:

I recently used a 744T on a two week documentary shoot with the RED camera. I cross jammed timecode from the 744T to the RED. Early test showed everything locked in together in post. The operations manual makes the menu structure look and sound more intimidating than it actually is.
This was my first foray into using dual system sound. I've been a location audio guy for twenty years, and I had no problems interfacing with the menus.

It's amazing what this piece of technology can do for it's price and size. I highly recommend this to any Location Sound Recordist that is considering a non linear sound recorder for documentary, feature, work etc. I plan on buying one very soon!

Comments about Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code:

I recently picked up the 744T for remote audio work, and I am VERY pleased with the performance and features. There isn't much that SD missed when they designed the 77T (I would have added 2 more analog outputs, though I have no idea where the connectors would fit). This unit is simpleto operate, but can do bells and whistles as well. I finally found a small 4 track that can keep up with my Soundfield mic. BRAVO Sound Devices!

Problems Encountered: It is lumpy under my pillow when I'm sleeping.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Variuos toys.

Items I Recommend: Any Soundfield microphone system and a large battery pack.

Comments about Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code:

It's perfect. Four channels of very high quality studio audio in a package the size of a large paperback is one of the marvels of modern technology. Made of stainless steel and aluminum, the 744T has a jewel-like appearance that belies its ruggedness. While most users do film sound, I record small ensembles of musicians. I actually use two 744T's linked by the C.link interface, which locks the clocks and rolls them together. Only a handful of companies compete at this level: Deva, HHB, Aaton, and Sound Devices. I cannot imagine an improvement in sonic quality. Although this unit justifies the most expensive of microphones, I have received much gratification from the Studio Projects C-4's. Excellence cannot be hidden or disguised.

Problems Encountered: Do not hotplug the FireWire connection. It can blow the interface chip. This happened to me. The FireWire connection supplies power to peripheral devices. Surges, ground loops, or plugging upside down can blow the phychip. This has been written about on the web, and there is a caution from Sound Devices. Power down your computer, plug in the powered down 744T, and then turn them both on.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: HHB PortaDAT

Items I Recommend: Rode NT-4

Comments about Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code:

I go to film school, and also have a very nice home studio, and I am so excited every time I get to use this piece of gear. learning how to get comfortable with the way the menu operates needs some getting used to, but the layout of the options, and the options itself are incredible! I could use this in so many different ways that if I named them all I would have to write a novel. All joking aside, if I could afford a piece of gear like this I would be in heaven. Worth the price for the quality, but too much for me.

Problems Encountered: I have not yet came across any problems thus far. Exporting was a little painful for me, but reading the manual always helps.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: FR2

Items I Recommend: Sennheiser MKH416 Shotgun Mic (NOT

Comments about Sound Devices 744T 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder with Time Code:

Wow, was I intimidated when I got into the menu and saw all80 options! I won't touch half of them. But this piecesounds seriously excellent. Not even my well equipped studiogear touches this thing for noise performance...and itweights less than my Powerbook! Unfortunately it alsoreveals some of the flaws in my lesser microphones. Time toupgrade them, too.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Marantz 690

Items I Recommend: Good Microphones